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Labor Minister Ofer Pines-Paz: ""We don't need a referendum because the majority supports a withdrawal from Gaza."
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners March 19, 2005 |
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Police say about 10,000 people attended a march of support for the government's plan to retreat from Gaza and northern Samaria and to expel the 8500 people who live there.
There was one police officer for each 13 demonstrators.
The rally was organized by several left-wing groups. Labor Knesset member Yuli Tamir said she was satisfied with the turnout. "Usually less people come to the 'pro' rallies compared to the 'opposed' demonstrations,' she said. "But the crowd at home is larger, they know he (Prime Minister Ariel Sharon) will continue with the disengagement so they see no reason to leave."
Interior Minister Ophir Pines-Paz called for expulsion opponents to respect the majority's will, the government's will and the Knesset. "This is the greatest test of Israel's democracy," he said. "The rally stands for three "no's": no to disobedience, no to incitement and no to violence."
It appeared that many also decided to vote with their feet and say "no" to the rally.
Pines-Paz told national referendum supporters and said he would not allow them to "torpedo" the Gaza pullout. "We don't need a referendum because the majority supports a withdrawal from Gaza," he said.
Recent rallies opposing the "disengagement plan" have attracted over 100,000 people.
Pines-Paz went on: "I'm calling on the Likud and Israeli government to come to your senses. I say to Sharon -- don't be afraid, continue on your way, it's our way and it's the correct way."
No ministers from the ruling majority Likud party showed up.
Peace Now General Secretary Yariv Oppenheimer said the organizers approached a number of Likud party members but all refused. "(Transportation) Minister Meir Sheetrit did not reject the idea and expressed his willingness to participate, but later changed his mind," he said.
"People from the Right are a bit apprehensive about showing their support for the disengagement, but we believe this is not a classic leftist, but a demonstration that represents the majority's views," he said.
The event's organizers also invited several Shinui MKs to address the crowd, but they also did not respond. Yahad Chairman Yossi Beilin accused Shinui leader Yosef Lapid of preventing members of his party from participating in the demonstration.
Oppenheimer was undeterred by the paltry turnout and gave a fiery speech: "Whoever wants civil war must know we are ready for battle."
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